Sewing Machines and blogs n books

http://www.sew4home.com is a good starting point, lots of free patterns. http://sewmamasew.com/blog2/, http://www.modabakeshop.com/, http://fun.kyti.me/, http://pinterest.com/twohippos/got-to-make/ or a general look around Pinterest. This is me http://www.twohiphippos.blogspot.co.uk

Sewing machine wise, latte lady is right - the best you can afford. Janome is a great brand.

I would go for some of the free web resources including Marie Claire idees (French but is quite easy to understand), Martha Stewart and better homes and gardens.

There's a list of links on my blog. Also, I never buy new books on Amazon any more. I always go to the secondhand ones. They are in really good condition and a fraction of the price.

Definitely agree about sewing machines. Do not, repeat do not buy the cheapy £49 one from JL if you want to do anything involving medium to heavyweight material. I have a janome jem which was £100 and its great for basic stuff but it doesn't cope with quilting or free machine embroidery for example.

Firstly, don't go for a basic machine, you will regret it, buy the best machine you can afford. Go to your local John Lewis and have a go with the various machines there until you find one you are comfortable with.

As to books, try your local library first... I saved a fortune when I got out a book that looked great online and was deeply disappointed when I got it home. Also take a look at Sew magazine, they usually do a paper pattern each month and lots of projects inside along with articles about improving techniques.

And finally... well if you want to follow any of my tutorials from my blog you would be very welcome, and if you look at the right hand side you will find some of the crafty blogs that I follow.